You’re on the deck of a mountain cabin, soaking up the spring warmth. A rustle in the trees catches your ear: Is it a curious bear cub? A flash of color catches your eye: Could it be the vivid feathers of a scarlet tanager? From your cabin’s deck, porch, or windows, you can spot abundant animals, including these.
1. White-Tailed Deer
You might see graceful deer browsing close to cabins, or trotting around the wooded edges of resort communities. In late spring, watch for dappled fawns lying tucked under bushes. As with any wild animals, never approach or feed deer.
2. Birds
More than 240 bird species flit through Smokies forests, so it’s easy to spot a wide variety of birds, including these:
- Tufted titmouse: Gray feathers, a white breast and a dash of orange under the wings. These small birds sometimes perch upside down.
- Bluebird: If your cabin is near a golf course, meadow, or other open space, watch for these bright blue birds.
- Scarlet tanager: Scarlet tanager males are most vividly red in spring and summer.
- Pileated woodpecker: You’ll hear their loud tapping before you see them! These large, black birds sport red “caps” on their heads.
- Owls: Owls are nesting and mating in spring, so they’re especially active and vocal.
3. Salamanders
This region is dubbed “Salamander Capital of the World” thanks to the huge diversity of species here. If your cabin is near a creek or river, walk the banks and look around rocks or under leaves for these colorful, tiny critters.
4. Turtles
Eight turtle species call these mountains home. Turtles warm up by perching on rocks close to water, so a cabin close to a stream is the ideal getaway for turtle lovers.
5. Coyotes
Coyotes are surprisingly common here, but difficult to view because they’re nocturnal. You can hear coyotes howl at night, or see one if you’re alert at dusk or dawn.
6. Black Bears
In spring, mama bears emerge from dens with winter-born youngsters. If your cabin is secluded in a wooded area, you might spy bears ambling past. But bears mostly keep to themselves–unless they smell food in trash outdoors. Be sure you don’t accidentally entice bears: Always secure your trash as directed in your cabin rental’s guidelines!
To watch wildlife, all you need is patience and the right location. Choose a Smokies cabin rental to get close to nature.
